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Album: Deja Vu
Avg rating:
8.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1595









Released: 1970
Length: 3:48
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Well, I came upon a child of God
He was walking along the road
And I asked him, Tell where are you going?
This he told me

Said, I'm going down to Yasgur's Farm,
Gonna join in a rock and roll band.
Got to get back to the land and set my soul free.

We are stardust, we are golden,
We are billion year old carbon,
And we got to get ourselves back to the garden.

Well, then can I walk beside you?
I have come to lose the smog,
And I feel myself a cog in somethin' turning.
And maybe it's the time of year,
But then maybe it's the time of man.
And I don't know who I am,
But life is for learning.

We are stardust, we are golden,
We are billion year old carbon,
And we got to get ourselves back to the garden.

We are stardust, we are golden,
We are billion year old carbon,
And we got to get ourselves back to the garden.

By the time we got to Woodstock,
We were half a million strong
And everywhere was a song and a celebration.
And I dreamed I saw the bomber jet planes
Riding shotgun in the sky,
Turning into butterflies
Above our nation.

We are stardust, we are golden,
We are caught in the devils bargain,
And we got to get ourselves back to the garden.
Comments (127)add comment
 roadie wrote:


That tension is probably what it made it work

in

Maybe!  Check out the Beatles' last recording, Abby Road!! It was recorded after Let be Be, but released first! 
 joejennings wrote:

It is amazing, how great this album is, in spite of all of the infighting & discourse!  As usual, Crosby was not getting along with anyone else.  Neil Young was not getting along with Taylor & Reeves.  Somehow,  they made a really GREAT ALBUM!!



That tension is probably what it made it work
Always thought "By the time we got to Woodstock, We were half a million strong"
was "By the time we got to Woodstock, We were heavily stoned"

Like my lyrics better.
"We are billion year old carbon". That about says it all, for me.
A landmark song, sung by the folks that rocketed it into a Sign of the Times.

Harmonies are spectacular.
It is amazing, how great this album is, in spite of all of the infighting & discourse!  As usual, Crosby was not getting along with anyone else.  Neil Young was not getting along with Taylor & Reeves.  Somehow,  they made a really GREAT ALBUM!!
What a great song.
To me this isn't a "cover". It's a song Joni Mitchell wrote for CSN.
I prefer the version by Matthew’s Southern Comfort.
 alaken wrote:

One of a handful of albums my parents played constantly when I was growing up, which left an indelible mark on me:

Deja Vu – CSNYSweet Baby James – James TaylorTapestry – Carol KingLadies of the Canyon – Joni MitchellEverything by The BeatlesDark Side of the Moon – Pink FloydRumors – Fleetwood MacJesus Christ Superstar – Andrew Lloyd Webber Various Joan Baez and Judy Collins (somehow didn't affect me as much)
My tastes are very wide-ranging, and it's remarkable how this small group of albums laid the groundwork for so much of my taste and appreciation over the decades.



That's a pretty solid musical lineup
Tops my list for the best cover ever.
 TLynneHenry wrote:

Sounds like my parents! My dad couldn't get the day off and my mom was worried about all the mud. If they had gone, I would have been there in vitro. Thanks, mom & dad. 


In utero ?!!
 RabbitEars wrote:

Excerpts from an intv with Crosby

I walked into a coffee house and was just completely smitten. She was standing there singing all those songs ... "Michael from Mountains," "Both Sides Now," and I was just floored. I couldn't believe that there was anybody that good. 

I was extremely fascinated with the quality of the music and the quality of the girl. She was such an unusual, passionate and powerful woman. I was fascinated by her tunings because I had started working in tunings, and I was writing things like "Guinevere."

I'm sure we learned things off each other. We used to play songs to each other all the time. But I think she just outgrew me.

The record companies haven't yet got a clue what or who Joni is. In a hundred years when they look back and say, "Who was the best?" - it's going to be her. She's a better poet than Dylan and without question a far better musician. I don't think there's anybody who can touch her. 


Great stuff.
Crosby has a bit of a reputation as a narcissist, so it's nice to see him heaping praise on one of his peers, even going so far as to say "she just outgrew me".
Crosby and Joni; love 'em both.
 bruceandjenna wrote:
That Saturday, I was working OT on a summer job in a ring factory in Newark, NJ.  Sat next to another college student who said he had tickets to this Woodstock concert in upstate NY.  But he decided to work instead.  Boy was he sorry on Monday.
 
Sounds like my parents! My dad couldn't get the day off and my mom was worried about all the mud. If they had gone, I would have been there in vitro. Thanks, mom & dad. 
That Saturday, I was working OT on a summer job in a ring factory in Newark, NJ.  Sat next to another college student who said he had tickets to this Woodstock concert in upstate NY.  But he decided to work instead.  Boy was he sorry on Monday.
Happy Anniversary! Peace and Love and Restrictions! Original Woodstock Site Restricted on Anniversary Weekend
https://variety.com/2019/music/news/original-woodstock-site-bethel-restricted-to-ticketholders-on-anniversary-weekend-1203300298/
The band Darlingside does a really good cover of this - check it out on YouTube. 

Excerpts from an intv with Crosby

I walked into a coffee house and was just completely smitten. She was standing there singing all those songs ... "Michael from Mountains," "Both Sides Now," and I was just floored. I couldn't believe that there was anybody that good. 

I was extremely fascinated with the quality of the music and the quality of the girl. She was such an unusual, passionate and powerful woman. I was fascinated by her tunings because I had started working in tunings, and I was writing things like "Guinevere."

I'm sure we learned things off each other. We used to play songs to each other all the time. But I think she just outgrew me.

The record companies haven't yet got a clue what or who Joni is. In a hundred years when they look back and say, "Who was the best?" - it's going to be her. She's a better poet than Dylan and without question a far better musician. I don't think there's anybody who can touch her. 
 jmsmy wrote:
I was 10 the summer of 69.
I remember how colorful, wonderful and beautiful everything was then.
Laugh-In, the Moon, Woodstock and the Amazing Mets - Everything was possible. 
And the hippies could stop a war - cause when you're 10 you don't see or know anything bad.

 I don't remember i was too stone !  Seriously , it was a rocky time for sure ! Lots of memories...still..
This song came out waaaaay before my time but for some reason I love it! I really love songs from the 60s and 70s. Maybe I was born with an old soul. Love the tunes!
It's been awhile old friend. Good to hear you again!
I was 10 the summer of 69.
I remember how colorful, wonderful and beautiful everything was then.
Laugh-In, the Moon, Woodstock and the Amazing Mets - Everything was possible. 
And the hippies could stop a war - cause when you're 10 you don't see or know anything bad.

a desert island album. 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V0OqUMoRP4 

zepher wrote:
—-> You got to see the Woodstock Movie.  The Port—o-San guy scene is all time.  The attitude of the guy is soooo Woodstock. ...Then the stoner guy walks out of the bathroom... Classic
Bleyfusz wrote:

There is something heartbreaking about the cartoon above; or is it just me?

 
My new Woodstock name is "Stardust"...... 




"Wait here while I use the port-o-san."

Remember —->


 

One stellar lineup there!

Damn, that band could ROCK!  {#Roflol}
To me STRONG 7 almost 8   TY RP
Can I say thank you, Joni, for this great piece of work, if you are listening. Unique song and unique talent, greatly appreciated here.
—-> You got to see the Woodstock Movie.  The Port—o-San guy scene is all time.  The attitude of the guy is soooo Woodstock. ...Then the stoner guy walks out of the bathroom... Classic
Bleyfusz wrote:

There is something heartbreaking about the cartoon above; or is it just me?

 
My new Woodstock name is "Stardust"...... 




"Wait here while I use the port-o-san."

Remember —->

 Bleyfusz wrote:

There is something heartbreaking about the cartoon above; or is it just me?

 
                                         Very sad, yeah. 


We are stardust, we really are, and for that, we will never die, but just be part of something else again. 
What a wonderful thought that is.
Never will get tired of this song. 
 Lazarus wrote: 
Nice.  I remember Cynaera's posts.

I expect that as the America street comes alive in the next 4 years, lots of older folks are going to think back to late 60s, early 70s and Woodstock will be one of the iconic moments.

The problem with old hippies and old social activists?  They are more competent and wiser now than they were at a young age.  Watch out America.  
Abso-bloody-lutely Superb, Love Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young! {#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Guitarist}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajam}
2 thumbs up!
 Cynaera wrote:
I've read so many pro and con comments regarding Joni vs. CSNY - and I couldn't address them all, so I'll offer this:  I LOVE the song. CSNY rocks it and grabs a listener by the ears. Joni doesn't rock it - she just states it as it was, and anyone who was there can appreciate both versions of the song. The message is the message.
  
Woodstock was intended as nothing more than a big rock concert, but it turned into an emblem for all that was wonderful about a counterculture of the late sixties... the great gathering at Woodstock has come to represent all the most positive aspects of the sixties — love, peace, freedom, music, grass, good vibrations, etc.... everybody in my elevators loves this poem by Joni Mitchell and this cover by CSNY... we be dancing like happy hippies...

we miss you so very much Cynaera...


We'll...I'm walking to my local craft brewery bar...and this ethereal tune spun into my awareness...as I walked in the Sun here in Nottingham...cheers again Bill {#Yes}
Great stuff!!
 zepher wrote:
My new Woodstock name is "Stardust"...... 




"Wait here while I use the port-o-san."

Remember —->


 
There is something heartbreaking about the cartoon above; or is it just me?
 raenvald wrote:
Can it be any more Godlike? Great song writing, powerful musicianship, inspired harmonies, AND Neil's guitar.  An anthem for the ear/era!
 
Hey raenvald

I like your geographic address (Coast Salish Territory).
Anthem status.
Not that it matters, I like both versions!  {#Smile} 
 raenvald wrote:
Can it be any more Godlike? Great song writing, powerful musicianship, inspired harmonies, AND Neil's guitar.  An anthem for the ear/era!
 
Umm... written by joni mitchel...

Oops.. just read the other posts..  everyone knows that!
Can it be any more Godlike? Great song writing, powerful musicianship, inspired harmonies, AND Neil's guitar.  An anthem for the ear/era!
 gjeeg wrote:
I always thought Joni should have joined the band.
CSMNY!
Imagine her up there ~ rocking out, transcendental angelic front woman, with the four boys on the wings.

 
She intended to be there but her management and friends were worried that she could get stuck there and might miss a very important TV date so she was actually in a hotel writing this while csny were playing.  There is a very good interview with Graham Nash on YouTube all about the writing of this and how they asked her could they have it for  themselves.
Ah the harmonies !!!!!!!!!! Briiliant
1970, one of the best years in modern music buisness.
OK, so they can play their instruments, but I think people shouldn't sing about music or concerts. Sounds phony. Either you were there or you weren't, but don't sing about it - typically results in bad lyrics...
Would have been interesting, for sure!  in The Last Waltz, Neil glares and cuts in and does everything he can to keep Robbie Robertson away from her on stage — and Lord only knows and some very fine songs have hinted at what all went on in real life among and between all of them in those wild days! 

gjeeg wrote:
I always thought Joni should have joined the band.
CSMNY!
Imagine her up there ~ rocking out, transcendental angelic front woman, with the four boys on the wings.
 
and as for this song: TIMELESS ROCKER! CRANK IT, SING ALONG, and DANCE THIS BLAZE ELECTRIC!
" A shitty mess, I'll tell you!"
I always thought Joni should have joined the band.
CSMNY!
Imagine her up there ~ rocking out, transcendental angelic front woman, with the four boys on the wings.
My new Woodstock name is "Stardust"...... 




"Wait here while I use the port-o-san."

Remember —->



Hey!!  All you hippies. Get off my lawn!
Not my favorite from this album but still good.  I do prefer Joni's original though.
 coloradojohn wrote:
In my opinion, one of the finest and most justly Beatified songs — and groups — of all time...  The intriguing contrasts and playful rocking dialogue between the Stills and Young guitars (and strumming of Crosby's too), the amazing harmonies of Nash and all the voices, the keyboards, the percussion, the bass, only added to the stellar songwriting of Joni Mitchell, and well, it's just hard to beat all THAT, and every time I hear it I REJOICE!
 
I too rejoice
I remember it well... I turned 19 that year, at Woodstock.
In my opinion, one of the finest and most justly Beatified songs — and groups — of all time...  The intriguing contrasts and playful rocking dialogue between the Stills and Young guitars (and strumming of Crosby's too), the amazing harmonies of Nash and all the voices, the keyboards, the percussion, the bass, only added to the stellar songwriting of Joni Mitchell, and well, it's just hard to beat all THAT, and every time I hear it I REJOICE!
I just watched a YouTube stream of movie about Wavy Gravy that provided another extremely interesting look at Woodstock and a lot of other things that were happening then.  This was an amazing period of time with an incredible explosion of musical and artistic creativity.  Sure, there was a lot of junk created then, but that always happens in the arts (and probably in other areas of human endeavor, as well):  When there is any kind of cultural explosion, it creates good and bad elements—the normal distribution curve might be as close to a universal law as we any we have.  But that doesn't in any way detract from the lasting brilliance that also came from that time, and the lasting changes to society.

This song is a good example of that brilliance, lyrically, musically and philosophically.
Every time I hear this I wonder what happened to Mr Yasgur?  Did he ever receive his rent money for the field?

Anyway, Godlike is my rating.
Wow.  I had no idea Joni wrote this.  I love how I can just go right over to YouTube and see and hear anything I want when I want. 
Very nice!
 sfoster66 wrote:
For me, as a certified Generation X'er, this song is hard...I get the brilliance, I understand the feeling it inspires, but I simply don't like it much...so, am I rating it on its historical relevance in the musical encyclopedia or whether it makes my ears happy?  Hmmm...not often I get stuck like this...
 
I'm with you... this song, for me at least... have to be on the right mood... not this morning!  {#Undecided}
All time classic. Album has genuine nuggets that bring back high school.
Amen, brothers and sisters.
Thanks Max, for letting us invade your space.


Respectfully,

The Nation



I've read so many pro and con comments regarding Joni vs. CSNY - and I couldn't address them all, so I'll offer this:  I LOVE the song. CSNY rocks it and grabs a listener by the ears. Joni doesn't rock it - she just states it as it was, and anyone who was there can appreciate both versions of the song. The message is the message.
 sirdroseph wrote:
Ya know there is a reason this is the version that became a hit. I cannot stand Joni Mitchell's version even though it is her song!{#Stop}
 

Hey, we agree!  {#High-five} I did this one at karaoke once. It was so fun to really belt it out! {#Guitarist}
Ya know there is a reason this is the version that became a hit. I cannot stand Joni Mitchell's version even though it is her song!{#Stop}

Sir d , very well said, couldn't have said it any more complete.
Déjà Vu, indeed...
 nerakdon wrote:
This is the only time you'll ever hear me say this, but...

the Joni Mitchell version is better. 
 

Ya know there is a reason this is the version that became a hit. I cannot stand Joni Mitchell's version even though it is her song!{#Stop}
 Mugro wrote:
Coming up on the 40th anniversary. Yes, I broke down and bought the new box set with the directors cut movie.
 
I got the anniversary edition, too.  Gotta say I like the original version of the movie much better though.

The anniversary comes off more as a documentary.  The original is more about the music.
One of a handful of albums my parents played constantly when I was growing up, which left an indelible mark on me:
  • Deja Vu – CSNY
  • Sweet Baby James – James Taylor
  • Tapestry – Carol King
  • Ladies of the Canyon – Joni Mitchell
  • Everything by The Beatles
  • Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
  • Rumors – Fleetwood Mac
  • Jesus Christ Superstar – Andrew Lloyd Webber 
  • Various Joan Baez and Judy Collins (somehow didn't affect me as much)
My tastes are very wide-ranging, and it's remarkable how this small group of albums laid the groundwork for so much of my taste and appreciation over the decades.


 nerakdon wrote:
This is the only time you'll ever hear me say this, but...

the Joni Mitchell version is better. 
 
Well, it certainly applies to her version of "Big Yellow Taxi" as well.


Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - two songs, Live Aid

"The version of the cost of freedom is just brillant! absolutely beautiful!"   keo774

"Badly underrehearsed, no backing musicians, just voice and acoustic guitars with Croz really ill...couldn't hear themselves,,,,,and they still rock......if only Jimi had been alive to play ! The guitar interplay with Neil and Stephen is brilliant,,,,,Springfield again. I bet Jimi would have played with these guys...now that would have been some band...especially with Mitch and Noel/Billy on bass."    magslyfarnham1



What !!!!!!!!!!!! {#Arrowd}....{#Stupid}....{#Lol}
 nerakdon wrote:
This is the only time you'll ever hear me say this, but...

the Joni Mitchell version is better. 
 

Completely agree.

This is the only time you'll ever hear me say this, but...

the Joni Mitchell version is better. 
For me, as a certified Generation X'er, this song is hard...I get the brilliance, I understand the feeling it inspires, but I simply don't love it (except maybe Neil's guitar work)...so, am I rating it on its historical relevance in the musical encyclopedia or whether it makes my ears happy?  Hmmm...not often I get stuck like this...

Crosby, Stills and Nash - "Woodstock" Live (2009) 

25th Anniversary The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Concert at Madison Square Garden - 2009/10/29 & 30.

"We are stardust, we are golden.....Woodstock.....a Joni Mitchell classic. One of many. Thank you Joni for your fantanstic songs."      catanlorca

"Art Is Resistance"

"Steven Stills can still rock! "

"Fantastic performance and great job with this recording, it's awesome. Waw isn't Stephen in fabulous form still. "   flyerphil



Nice!!
Ahhhhhhh today is kinda a CSNY day.
Good Stuff!
Coming up on the 40th anniversary. Yes, I broke down and bought the new box set with the directors cut movie.
An anthem.
"By the time we got to Woodstock, we were half a million strong!"....sends shivers!...Will the young people of today EVER feel like that? That they have the power to coalesce and have a SAY about what happens to the world? What HOPE we had! of course it's a 9
 toterola wrote:
No mistaking this song, from the first note. One of the best albums ever. {#Clap}
 
yep
10 if there ever was one

{#Music}
 WonderLizard wrote:
Recall Rolling Stone's lukewarm review of Deja Vu and the closer:

"Hey, let's do something heavy!"

"Yeah! How about something by Joni Mitchell?"
 
Self-edit: And they kicked ass with it. Stills's vocals at their best.

No mistaking this song, from the first note. One of the best albums ever. {#Clap}
 musikalia wrote:
Classic song. A good 9.
But I prefer the Joni Mitchell version.
 
Love joni but prefer this version by FAR
 big_gare wrote:
Not bad songwriting considering that Joni didn't even attend the "Aquarian Festival" itself.  Great Tune!
 

Yes, I love the Joni shout out! What a great song writer!
Good-looking dog on the cover.
Recall Rolling Stone's lukewarm review of Deja Vu and the closer:

"Hey, let's do something heavy!"

"Yeah! How about something by Joni Mitchell?"
Not bad songwriting considering that Joni didn't even attend the "Aquarian Festival" itself.  Great Tune!
'We are stardust, we are golden We are ten billion year old carbon And we got to get ourselves back to the garden' never more appropriate than now
Love this tune, but I wonder why the best song on this album (IMHO) has never yet been played on RP. Here's hoping we soon hear 'Teach Your Children'!
KEViNYC wrote:
This is an apples and oranges and pineapples discussion. Joni's first version: folky, pristine, beautiful and (almost) innocent. Joni's Miles of Aisles' version: jazzy and knowing. CSNY version: rock n' roll and represents the era as few other songs do.
Absolutely spot on commentary -- Bravo
Great song, but I have to wonder will I think of Lollapalooza 1992 the same way my parents think of Woodstock? Not quite the same I know, but I can still remember Soundgarden/Pearl Jam/Chili Peppers up there on the stage and all the craziness.
musikalia wrote:
Classic song. A good 9. But I prefer the Joni Mitchell version.
This is an apples and oranges and pineapples discussion. Joni's first version: folky, pristine, beautiful and (almost) innocent. Joni's Miles of Aisles' version: jazzy and knowing. CSNY version: rock n' roll and represents the era as few other songs do.
I really like Stills' singing in this, maybe better than Joni.
One of the few "oldies" I have added back into my collection. Classic!
musikalia wrote:
Classic song. A good 9. But I prefer the Joni Mitchell version.
Ditto.
omg...we are listening to the CD right now....still one of my favorite albums of all time. we saw CSN at Merriweather Post Pavillion two years ago. They opened with an incredibly kick-ass version of "Carry On" (my favorite pick on the album). It set the tone of the evening - such amazing energy! They still rock so damn hard!!!
joni's live version on 'shadows and light' is nice too - she use a neat tuning: CGBbEbFBb , some percussive taps on the guitar, and a couple of harmonics to give a sort of ethereal feel to this sparse electric guitar arrangement - see jmdl.com for details
slowhand wrote:
The Tabula Rosa of modern Rock/Roots/music!
er... tabula rasa, (L.) a smooth or blank tablet; a mind not influenced by outside impressions and experiences.
musikalia wrote:
Classic song. A good 9. But I prefer the Joni Mitchell version.
... i prefer joni too, but i'm all for contrast an' this is just fine, yea, a nine ... anyway, back to the garden, ho hum!
Classic song. A good 9. But I prefer the Joni Mitchell version.
Yeah! CSN&Y - anytime!
K-BILLY wrote:
That was a GREAT Segue from Michael Franti & Spearhead Bill, just like a true Hippie! Here's to Alfalfa Sprouts, Granola and WORLD PEACE! Thanks for the tunes!
My friends went to Woodstock in 1969, why didn't I go? Anyway, I've gone from wanting world peace to wanting a hairpiece--and world peace.
TWoldguy wrote:
I was looking for Joni's version of this song the other day, on-line. I found several versions, but could not find the one that was made popular on the radio way back when. Anyone know where I can find it? I agree CSNY did a fantastic job with it.
Woodstock can be found on either "Ladies of the Canyon" or "Hits" CDs. Not sure if they are both the single you remember hearing on the radio, but I'll bet the "Hits" version is.... *edit* ChardRemains is also correct....it's on "Miles of Aisles" as well
I think there is a version on Miles of Aisles, but not sure if it is the one released as a single. I'd have to listen to it. TWoldguy wrote:
I was looking for Joni's version of this song the other day, on-line. I found several versions, but could not find the one that was made popular on the radio way back when. Anyone know where I can find it? I agree CSNY did a fantastic job with it.
I was looking for Joni's version of this song the other day, on-line. I found several versions, but could not find the one that was made popular on the radio way back when. Anyone know where I can find it? I agree CSNY did a fantastic job with it.
onapath wrote:
Oh yeah!! K-BILLY wrote:
Here's to Alfalfa Sprouts and Granola!
Third-ed!!! And yeah - spine-tingly segue from M. Franti...
The Tabula Rosa of modern Rock/Roots/music!
Dude, I LOVE this song. When I was younger, my older brother had the best of CSNY on cassette, and I loved every song on that thing.
K-BILLY wrote:
Here's to Alfalfa Sprouts and Granola!
Oh yeah!!
That was a GREAT Segue from Michael Franti & Spearhead Bill, just like a true Hippie! Here's to Alfalfa Sprouts, Granola and WORLD PEACE! Thanks for the tunes!
Yes, Joni wrote it and yes, still a great song. My brother got this album from his college age tutor (long hair, beard, etc) back around 70-71. We wore the sucker out.
Everyone should have this album in their collection. It is definitely one of the best albums of that era. I still have the original vinyl with the textured cover. My brother forgot it at home when he went off to college and I hid it so he didn't grab it when he came back. It is very crackly now but I still slap it on the old turntable now and then. Timeless.
I cannot BEELEEEEEVE a csny song would get an 8 from me, but here it is. joni wrote, yes?
This CSNY track has never done much for me.